MLB Player News

Chapman went 2-for-5 with a home run, two runs and three RBI on Wednesday against the Mariners.

The slick-fielding third baseman also went 3-for-3 and reached base five times in Sunday's exhibition in Japan, so he has taken to this trip quite well. He underwent a minor shoulder surgery back in December but recovered quickly and already appears to be as dialed in as any A's hitter at the plate.

Bregman agreed to a five-year, $100 million contract extension with the Astros on Tuesday, Brian McTaggart of MLB.com reports.

The contract goes into effect for the 2020 season and buys out Bregman's three arbitration years as well as two years of free agency, locking him up through the 2024 season. The third baseman -- who turns 25 on March 30 -- finished fifth in American League MVP voting last season after slashing .286/.394/.532 with 31 home runs, 51 doubles and 103 RBI in 157 games.

Manager Kevin Cash said Duffy (hamstring) had a "really good day" and is "softly" scheduled to play in a spring game Thursday, Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times reports.

Duffy is on the cusp of returning to game action after getting through a series of running drills with no issues Monday. The third baseman has been sidelined for most of spring due to a hamstring issue, but he should still have enough time to get ready for the start of the season if he's able to return Thursday (or shortly thereafter).

Manager Kevin Cash confirmed that Duffy (hamstring) would run again Monday, Steve Carney of Sports Radio 620 WDAE reports.

After experiencing no complications while fielding and taking batting practice Sunday, Duffy will get the green light to resume his running program. The third baseman noted that he ran at about 80 percent intensity Saturday and predicted that he would run close to 90 percent Monday, which Cash hopes will provide insight into whether Duffy will be ready to go for Opening Day. Cash previously said that Duffy won't necessarily need to return to action before the end of the Grapefruit League slate to confirm his availability for the start of the season.

Chapman went 3-for-3 and reached base five times in a 5-1 exhibition victory over the Nippon-Ham Fighters on Sunady in Tokyo, Japan, Jane Lee of MLB.com reports.

Chapman has already been swinging a hot bat in Cactus League play, so Sunday's outburst was simply an extension. The elite defender will once again man the hot corner for the Athletics in the coming season while looking to build on his breakout 2018 campaign at the plate.

Duffy (hamstring) took ground balls Sunday, and manager Kevin Cash reported the session went well, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Duffy had a productive weekend, as he'd also ran at 80 percent intensity Saturday. The oft-injured infielder clearly emerged from that activity without setbacks, considering he was able to return to the field for Sunday's workout without limitations. Cash mentioned the team will continue to be cautious with Duffy's game action, but he confirmed the 28-year-old will try running at 90 percent Monday as the next step in his rehab.

Duffy (hamstring) said he ran on the field at approximately 80 percent speed Saturday and felt good during the workout, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Unless Duffy reports renewed discomfort with his hamstring, he'll take live batting practice and field some grounders Sunday before resuming running at around 90 percent Monday. The 28-year-old appears to be trending toward a return to the Grapefruit League lineup at some point next week, which would keep hope alive for him to avoid a stint on the injured list to begin the season.

Moncada went 1-for-2 with a three-run home run and a walk in Friday's spring game against the Cubs.

Moncada plated three runs in the third inning on a deep fly to left field, notching his second home run this spring. He appears locked in at the plate, as he's gone 11-for-29 with seven RBI and eight runs scored in camp.

Wisdom was optioned to Triple-A Nashville on Friday.

Wisdom had at least an outside shot of breaking camp with the team but won't get a chance to make an impact right away. The 27-year-old has spent the bulk of the last three season at Triple-A Memphis in the Cardinals' system, hitting .256/.327/.466.

Duffy (hamstring) was able to run at approximately 70 percent speed Thursday without issue and could field grounders Sunday, Juan Toribio of MLB.com reports.

Duffy confirmed he was able to get through his workout without setbacks and proceeded to get some hitting work in afterwards. The goal is to get Duffy back into game action at some point next week, a step that would be preceded by live batting practices. Duffy confirms that he and the Rays are opting to take his recovery slower after he suffered a setback earlier in March, although he concedes he still may not be ready for Opening Day. However, even if Duffy isn't in uniform for the first game of the regular season, manager Kevin Cash confirms it won't be for lack of spring reps. "He doesn't have to have 50 at-bats," Cash said. "That's not a concern for us. I think if he clears himself healthy and gets out there enough where he's been tested, then he's fine."